Natural gas fracking emissions down 73% since 2011

Methane emissions from natural gas fracking operations have dropped 73% since 2011, according to a new report by the EPA. The emissions reductions among shale gas drillers contributed to a 12% decline in methane releases from petroleum and natural gas systems during that period.

Power plant emissions have decreased 9.8% since 2010 but rose slightly in 2013 due to higher use of coal. EPA said refinery greenhouse gas emissions increased 1.6% year-over-year in 2013. Overall, emissions from large industrial facilities increased by 0.6%.